Report looks at long-term value of early child care and education

The newly released Early Care and Education--Investing in Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers highlights the long-term value of high-quality early care and education, the issues parents and providers face, and what still needs to be done to assure that all of Vermont’s children are given the best start possible. It was produced by The Permanent Fund for the Well-Being of Vermont Children, the A.D. Henderson Foundation, and the Vermont Community Foundation and is the latest topic to be explored for the Understanding Vermont series.
Science shows that brain development peaks from birth to five, forming the behaviors and skills that will prepare children for success in school, the workplace, and the community. Where and how the youngest Vermonters spend these first few years has an enormous affect on their future.
This concise report explores an issue that impacts all Vermonters. When children enter kindergarten ready to learn, it results in improved high school graduation rates and higher earnings later in life. It also reduces the need for intervention programs and is essential for both our current and future workforce.
“We know that 71% of Vermonters in this birth to 5 age range spend at least part of their time in the care of someone other than their parents,” says Christine Zachai, Executive Director of the Permanent Fund for the Well-Being of Vermont Children. “This report summarizes what that care looks like and how to make sure that all of our children have a high-quality experience.”
"Parents find it a challenge to afford high quality care for their children, and it is often difficult for them to compare the quality of different options,” adds Eddie Gale, Program Director at the A. D. Henderson Foundation. “Child care providers have several good opportunities for professional development, but time, cost, and location of training can all be barriers to participating."
As a result of this report, The Permanent Fund established a new Early Care and Education Fund dedicated to expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care and preschool for all Vermont families; supporting the professional development and training of Vermont’s early care and education providers; and helping our state’s workforce and economy prosper. "Philanthropy can be most effective when donors work together for a common purpose. This fund allows individuals to pool their donations and make strategic investments in solutions," explains Vermont Community Foundation President and CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay.
Source: Early Care and Education Fund. www.understandingvt.org.